Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 4

**Chapter 4: Prof Reed’s Birthday**

Darcy had been bracing herself for Zane’s call, fully expecting him to address her recent resignation and the engagement that had been abruptly called off. She had rehearsed her words in her mind countless times, crafting a speech that balanced honesty with grace.

After all the years they had spent together, if nothing else, she had always been dedicated to him. She was hopeful that Zane would recognize her commitment and, out of respect for their shared past, would allow her to leave without further complications.

In return, she would wish him and Zora a bright and happy future, free from any bitterness. She even considered offering to see the new northern project through until the contract was officially signed, just to ensure a clean break.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she began, “Mr. Vance…”

On the other end of the line, Zane furrowed his brow, surprised by her formal address. It was a rare occurrence for Darcy to refer to him as “Mr. Vance” outside the confines of the office environment.

However, the moment of discomfort was fleeting. He loosened his tie, trying to ease the tension that had settled in the air. “Did you see my message yesterday?” he asked, his tone casual yet expectant.

Caught off guard, Darcy momentarily lost her train of thought, her carefully prepared speech slipping away. She pressed her lips together, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration. “Yes,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zane paused, clearly waiting for her to elaborate, but the silence stretched between them, thick and palpable.

Relief washed over him.

She must not be angry, he thought. If she were truly upset, she would have made a scene by now.

He pressed on, “When you get a moment, could you write up a summary of your business trip and send it over?”

Darcy blinked, her mind racing. Had she heard him correctly?

He was calling her to request unpaid overtime?

Was he serious?

It struck her as utterly absurd. He knew full well that her leave was to care for her ailing mother. Not only was there no sign of concern from him, but he was also demanding more work.

How pathetic it was that she was only now realizing the depths of his insensitivity!

“Mr. Vance, I’m on leave. Would this work be considered overtime?” she asked, her tone sharper than she intended.

Zane was taken aback, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. “It’s just a summary. How is that overtime? Darcy, stop being difficult!” he snapped, frustration creeping into his voice.

She had anticipated this reaction; it was typical of him.

Keeping her voice flat, she replied, “Mr. Vance, I’m truly sorry, but my mother is being admitted tomorrow. I’ll be caring for her and won’t have time for any additional work.”

With no overtime pay on the table, she felt justified in her refusal.

Zane suddenly remembered her mother’s hospitalization. Right. I forgot.

Yet, even then, he had no intention of apologizing. He was far too accustomed to his position of authority, too used to Darcy’s humble devotion.

Lowering his voice, he said, “Take good care of your mother. I’ll visit you both at the hospital this weekend.”

Darcy felt her heart turn to ice. “That won’t be necessary. Also, about the—”

She pressed her lips together, summoning every ounce of strength to keep her voice steady. “I sent a—”

Before she could complete her thought, Zane interrupted, “I have a meeting. I have to go.”

A bitter smile crept onto her face as she hung up the phone. Same as always. He could summon her at will and dismiss her just as easily.

Frustrated, she tossed her phone onto the sofa and made her way to her bedroom, where the small space was cluttered with beautifully wrapped gift boxes.

Most of them were engagement gifts that Zane’s assistant had sent over a month ago, a gesture made during their brief moment of happiness when they had decided to get engaged.

Though he was often emotionally distant, Zane had always been generous with his money.

Darcy knelt down, gathering the gifts he had given her over the years into a simple cardboard box, feeling a wave of melancholy wash over her.

Just then, Ione emerged from the kitchen, a plate of steaming spaghetti in her hands. She noticed her daughter with the box and raised an eyebrow. “What’s all that?”

Darcy’s expression remained neutral, concealing the storm of emotions brewing within her. “The engagement gifts Zane sent, along with other things he’s given me over the years.”

“Why are you packing them away? The engagement is still a month off. Why the rush?” Ione chuckled, setting the plate down and teasing her daughter, mistakenly believing that Darcy was simply excited.

They had met during the admissions interview years ago; he had been the one to add her to the group.

Bram was now thriving under Alistair’s mentorship, and the love she had chosen instead of her education felt like a bitter reminder of what could have been.

Tears welled in Darcy’s eyes as she took a moment to compose herself before replying, “Thank you, but I better not.”

Her reluctance stemmed mostly from the fear of disturbing Alistair and the dread of seeing disappointment reflected in his eyes.

In her current state, she simply couldn’t face him.

Bram, sensing her hesitation, pressed on. “No, you have to come. Prof. Reed mentions you often. He’d be thrilled to see you.”

As if fearing she might refuse, he quickly added, “It’s settled. I signed you up. You must come.”

He then sent her the time and address for the party, sealing her fate.

A tear slipped down her cheek as she sniffled, silently adding Alistair’s birthday to her calendar, the weight of her choices pressing heavily upon her.

The next day, Darcy helped her mother check into the hospital, then returned home, determined to prepare for her new role in the business world.

Over the next two days, she dedicated herself to thoroughly researching the Blackwood Group and its subsidiary, Stratagem Tech. She even drafted a comprehensive three-year IPO plan for Stratagem, pouring her heart and soul into the work.

On Monday morning, she found herself in Jethro’s office, proposal in hand.

For two hours, he listened intently, nodding frequently, his appreciation evident as she laid out her ideas.

But when Darcy suggested bidding for the Easemark Ventures project, a smile crept onto his lips, a hint of skepticism in his expression.

“From what I understand, Summit Core Tech is also pursuing the Easemark project,” he noted, his subtext clear.

Was it appropriate to so openly compete with your former company right out of the gate?

However, Darcy remained pragmatic, her expression unchanging. “I do the job I’m hired to do. Besides, the Easemark tender is public. Anyone can bid. The best offer wins. Just because Stratagem doesn’t bid doesn’t guarantee SummitCore’s success, and our bid doesn’t eliminate their chances.”

Jethro’s smile widened, impressed by her confidence. “Alright. I’m convinced. I’ll have our pre-sales manager coordinate with you.”